Remembering Tony, who we lost 6 years ago (October 16, 2017). Tony was so very special to all of us, and we all tried our best to get him released to a proper home. He became the “poster-tiger” for captive big cats, and I think he let out a ROAR when The Big Cat Public Safety Act was signed into law On December 20, 2022.
A heartfelt “Thank You” to Animal Legal Defense Fund, Tony’s amazing legal team who fought tenaciously for his release to an accredited big cat sanctuary. Please follow and support ALDF; they truly are the legal voice and action for all animals, (farmed animals, captive animals, wildlife, companion animals and animals used in research).
While Tony is no longer physically here, his spirit and legacy live on. I think of him every day. Thanks to all of his many friends around the world who supported and loved him. #FreeTonyTiger#TonyAlways
The law will help end the rampant abuse of tigers and other big cats in captivity by banning private possession (source: Animal Legal Defense Fund | December 20, 2022)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today the Big Cat Public Safety Act (H.R. 263), which prohibits the private possession of big cats and makes it illegal for exhibitors to allow direct contact with cubs, was signed into law by President Joe Biden. The bill passed the U.S. Senate in December 2022 and the House of Representatives in July 2022.
“The Big Cat Public Safety Act provides a clear framework for protecting big cats in the U.S. who have been vulnerable to the perils of private ownership due to a patchwork of state laws that have been inadequate in protecting animals and ensuring public safety,” says Animal Legal Defense Fund Executive Director Stephen Wells. “The bill received bipartisan support from both chambers of Congress, and we are pleased to see it become law.”
In the spring of 2020, the Animal Legal Defense Fund teamed up with Blackfish Director Gabriela Cowperthwaite to launch an online petition urging Congress to pass the Big Cat Public Safety Act to help end this cruel wildlife trade. Dozens of Hollywood stars signed onto the online petition, including Kate Mara, Rooney Mara, Joaquin Phoenix, Edie Falco, Hilary Swank, Iggy Pop, Ireland Baldwin, Kim Basinger, Ruby Rose, Paul Wesley, Christian Serratos, Nikki Reed, Ian Somerhalder, Teresa Palmer, Glenn Close, Anjelica Huston, Justin Theroux, Christopher Walken, Mena Suvari, Steve Aoki, Alan Cumming, Ed Begley, Alison Pill, Jane Lynch, Olivia Wilde, Kate del Castillo, Charlotte Ross, Kristin Bauer, Sarah Silverman, Whitney Cummings, Jenny Slate, and Jackson Galaxy.
While some states have restricted or banned the private possession of certain wild animals, other states have virtually no regulations, leaving big cats vulnerable to abuse. The Big Cat Public Safety Act closes this gap and also makes it illegal for exhibitors, such as circuses and zoos, to allow direct contact with cubs. Some facilities actually encourage visitors to interact with cubs, such as bottle-feeding tiger cubs, for an extra fee, endangering cubs and visitors alike. Cub attractions lead to perpetual breeding, to maintain tiny cubs while others grow too large to be handled and controlled. Aged-out cubs are often sold to private individuals or killed when they are no longer a source of additional income.
Big cats belong in the wild or, in situations where captive animals can no longer safely be returned to the wild, in reputable sanctuaries. Depriving wild animals of the ability to engage in their natural behaviors, separating them from their newborn cubs, and forcing them into dangerous interactions with humans is both cruel and a recipe for disaster.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today the Big Cat Public Safety Act, (H.R. 263/S. 1210), which prohibits the private possession of big cats and makes it illegal for exhibitors to allow direct contact with cubs, passed the U.S. Senate. The bill now advances to President Biden for his signature, after passing the House of Representatives in July of 2022.
“Today the Senate took a major step toward protecting tigers, lions and all big cats who have been vulnerable to inhumane treatment through a patchwork of private ownership laws across the country. The lack of federal regulations for big cats leaves first responders to situations involving animal escapes and the public at risk,” says Animal Legal Defense Fund Executive Director Stephen Wells. “We are encouraged to see support for the legislation from both chambers of Congress and hope the President moves quickly to sign this bipartisan bill into law.”
“The Big Cat Public Safety Act will end the horrific exploitation of big cats and bolster public safety,” says Senator Blumenthal “These beautiful but powerful predators deserve to live in the wild, not be kept in captivity for people’s entertainment — even as cubs. I’m thrilled that, after a groundswell of public and bipartisan support, this bill I’ve long advocated for will become law.”
In the spring of 2020, the Animal Legal Defense Fund teamed up with Blackfish Director Gabriela Cowperthwaite to launch an online petition urging Congress to pass the Big Cat Public Safety Act to help end this cruel wildlife trade. Dozens of Hollywood stars signed onto the online petition, including Kate Mara, Rooney Mara, Joaquin Phoenix, Edie Falco, Hilary Swank, Iggy Pop, Ireland Baldwin, Kim Basinger, Ruby Rose, Paul Wesley, Christian Serratos, Nikki Reed, Ian Somerhalder, Teresa Palmer, Glenn Close, Anjelica Huston, Justin Theroux, Christopher Walken, Mena Suvari, Steve Aoki, Alan Cumming, Ed Begley, Alison Pill, Jane Lynch, Olivia Wilde, Kate del Castillo, Charlotte Ross, Kristin Bauer, Sarah Silverman, Whitney Cummings, Jenny Slate, and Jackson Galaxy.
While some states have restricted or banned the private possession of certain wild animals, other states have virtually no regulations, leaving big cats vulnerable to abuse. The Big Cat Public Safety Act closes this gap and also makes it illegal for exhibitors, such as circuses and zoos, to allow direct contact with cubs. Some facilities actually encourage visitors to interact with cubs, such as bottle-feeding tiger cubs, for an extra fee, endangering cubs and visitors alike. Cub attractions lead to perpetual breeding, to maintain tiny cubs while others grow too large to be handled and controlled. Aged-out cubs are often sold to private individuals or killed when they are no longer a source of additional income.
Big cats belong in the wild or, in situations where captive animals can no longer safely be returned to the wild, in reputable sanctuaries. Depriving wild animals of the ability to engage in their natural behaviors, separating them from their newborn cubs, and forcing them into dangerous interactions with humans is both cruel and a recipe for disaster.
Hello Friends. Sincere apologies for the absence and lateness in posting. This was posted on Tony’s Facebook page on July 29, 2022.
Today is International Tiger Day (a.k.a. Global Tiger Day) ~ “an annual celebration to raise awareness for tiger conservation, held annually on July 29. It was created in 2010 at the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit in Russia. The goal of the day is to promote a global system for protecting the natural habitats of tigers and to raise public awareness and support for tiger conservation issues.”
Tigers 101 | National Geographic Tigers are icons of beauty, power, and the importance of conservation. Learn five surprising facts about these striped felines, including how large the cats can be, an adaptation some developed for swimming, and how much wild tiger populations have declined.
What better day than July 29th ~ International Tiger Day ~ to commemorate Tony’s 21st birthday. While the exact date of Tony’s birth is unknown, a sign at the truck stop stated he was born in July 2000. Tony touched the hearts of people all over the world who overwhelmingly supported his release to an accredited big cat sanctuary. Wonderful sanctuaries had a standing offer of a home for him, and Tony’s legal warriors, The Animal Legal Defense Fund, were relentless in their efforts for his release. Sadly, Tony never got to a sanctuary home, he languished for 17 years at Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete, LA. and died in 2017. I will never forget the times I visited him. It was truly heartbreaking to see him, but I still was in awe at being in the presence of such a magnificent big cat. On each visit I told him we’d never give up ~ and we never did. I’m just so sorry Tony never got to a clean, spacious, compassionate sanctuary home. Tony was truly the “poster-tiger” for captive tigers and big cats. His story was known globally and raised tremendous awareness about the captive tiger | big cat issue in the United States. Tony will always be the Ambassador for Captive Tigers and will always have a special place in our hearts. Happy Birthday “ T “ ~ We Miss You. Run Free Tony #FreeTonyTiger #TonyAlways
International Tiger Day, or Global Tiger Day, was created at the St. Petersburg Tiger Summit in 2010 and is celebrated on July 29th to raise world awareness for wild tigers and support for their conservation. Learn more about wild tigers and the efforts to protect and conserve these majestic big cats at:
An estimated 3,900 tigers remain in the wild, up from the previous estimate of as few as 3,200 in 2010. In the United States there are more than 5,000 privately owned tigers. Tiger cubs are exploited for photo ops and cub petting/holding. Tigers languish in deplorable roadside zoos; our Tony the Tiger spent 17 years as a roadside attraction at a truck stop.
We honor and remember Tony and his wild tiger “cousins” on International Tiger Day and give a ROAR to the wonderful sanctuaries and organizations who supported his release:
Three years ago, on October 16, 2017, we lost our beloved Tony the Tiger. Not a day goes by where Tony is not on my mind; he has left his massive paw prints on my heart and on the hearts of his friends around the world. For 17 years Tony was confined to a “life” as a roadside attraction at Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete. Louisiana, and because of Tony and his tragic story, people learned about the serious issue of privately owned tigers and big cats in the United States.
For many years Tony had tremendous support for his release to a reputable big cat sanctuary. The legal battle for Tony’s release was led by our very good friends The Animal Legal Defense Fundwho fought tirelessly for Tony. Sadly every court win in Tony’s favor for his release was met by his owner’s appeals and the case dragged on for years. I would like to once again thank The Animal Legal Defense Fund who never gave up on Tony, and who continue to advocate for captive tigers and wild animals. Learn more about ALDF’s work for captive wild animals at : https://aldf.org/focus-area/captive-animals/
One of the best ways we can honor Tony is to support The Big Cat Public Safety Act. This federal bill addresses two of the biggest sources of abuse of big cats by ending owning big cats as pets and stopping exploitative roadside zoos from offering cub petting and photo ops. Read more about this bill and ask your Congress Members for their support at : https://aldf.org/article/add-your-voice-support-the-big-cat-public-safety-act/
In Tony’s memory, all of his social media accounts remain open to network information on ways we can help animals. We hope you will continue to support them.
To ALL of Tony’s amazing friends : THANK YOU! Because of you and your support Tony will never ever be forgotten.
” T ” : I miss you handsome tiger. You are in my thoughts every day and in my heart always.
For ” T ” Always ~ #FreeTonyTiger #TonyAlways 🌈 🐯 🌈
CLICK TO SEE FACEBOOK POST BY TIGERS OF AMERICA ABOUT TONY’S PHOTO
I am truly honored to have this photo of Tony chosen as one of the winners in Tigers in America’s Photo Contest. I’ve always loved this photo (be it sad) because it truly captures such despondence in Tony’s eyes and soul. Tony was born in 2000, obtained as a cub and spent all of his 17 years caged at Tiger Truck Stop.Tony raised tremendous awareness to the plight of captive tigers in the United States; he had friends and supporters from all over the world who advocated for his release to a reputable big cat sanctuary, wonderful sanctuaries who offered him a home and his legal champions, Animal Legal Defense Fund who never stopped fighting for his release. Tony truly was, and always will be, “The Captive Tiger Ambassador.” Visiting Tony at the truck stop was bittersweet, but when I would leave, I always told him we’d never give up and we’d never stop roaring. In his honor and remembrance, all of Tony’s social media accounts remain active to help network actions to help captive tigers and big cats. Thank you all for remembering this very special tiger. RUN FREE ” T ” | #FreeTonyTiger#TonyAlways (Free Tony The Tiger ~ D.M. De Santis) 🌈🐯🌈
International Tiger Day, or Global Tiger Day, was created at the St. Petersburg Tiger Summit in 2010 and is celebrated on July 29th to raise world awareness for wild tigers and support for their conservation. Learn more about wild tigers and the efforts to protect and conserve these majestic big cats at:
An estimated 3,900 tigers remain in the wild, up from the previous estimate of as few as 3,200 in 2010. In the United States there are more than 5,000 privately owned tigers. Tiger cubs are exploited for photo ops and cub petting/holding. Tigers languish in deplorable roadside zoos; our Tony the Tiger spent 17 years as a roadside attraction at a truck stop.
Tony raised tremendous awareness to the serious issue of privately owned tigers in the United States. We honor and remember Tony on International Tiger Day and give a ROAR to the wonderful sanctuaries and organizations who supported his release:
We also could not let the month of July go by without acknowledging that Tony would have been 20 years old this month. While the exact date of Tony’s birth is unknown, a sign at the truck stop stated he was born in July 2000. On a personal note : I learned so much about captive tigers because of Tony and it was an honor to advocate for his release and also to visit him. He became a very special part of my life and my heart and I will never forget him. ( I MISS YOU ” T ” ) Run Free Tony #FreeTonyTiger #TonyAlways
Again, thanks to all of Tony’s friends for your friendship, love and support throughout the years. Please KEEP ROARING for captive tigers and big cats.
Tony as a cub | Sign stating Tony was born in July 2000 | Tony in 2014
New Orleans, LA – After multiple lawsuits filed and fought by the Animal Legal Defense Fund, the Tiger Truck Stop has finally stopped exhibiting animals and tore down its cages. The animals who had recently lived at the gas station have been removed, and the chain-link cages have been demolished.
The Tiger Truck Stop, the infamous gas station in Gross Tete, Louisiana, held Tony — an endangered Siberian-Bengal tiger — from the age of 6-months until his death at the age of 17 in 2017. The center of significant controversy, the truck stop’s owner, Michael Sandlin, used his political clout to circumvent one law after another — including the Louisiana big cat ban which passed unanimously in 2006. A lawsuit filed by the Animal Legal Defense Fund stripped the Tiger Truck Stop of its improper permit from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries — a decision that was affirmed on appeal.
In his zeal to continue to exhibit tigers at the gas station, Sandlin sued Louisiana over the constitutionality of the state’s big cat ban. The lawsuit, which the Animal Legal Defense Fund successfully intervened in to assist in protecting the ban, remains pending for now.
“The Animal Legal Defense Fund is pleased that no additional animals will be exploited at the Tiger Truck Stop,” says Animal Legal Defense Fund Executive Director Stephen Wells. “Though we were not able to rescue Tony in time, we have continued to fight in his memory for other captive animals who suffer at roadside zoos across the country.”
After Tony died, Sandlin acquired other animals, including a camel, a red kangaroo, and coatis — which have been relocated.
In 2019, the Animal Legal Defense Fund won a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for its policy of “rubberstamping” exhibitor license renewals of roadside zoos, even when they violated the Animal Welfare Act. In 2020, the USDA released new rules stating that facilities would need to prove they are in compliance with federal, state, and local laws for renewal — another tool that will help prevent similar situations in the future and part of the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s continuing strategy to shut down roadside zoos.
A federal bill, the Big Cat Public Safety Act, has been introduced with wide support in the U.S. House of Representatives, and would eliminate private big cat ownership nationwide. The Animal Legal Defense Fund, along with a coalition of animal protection groups, supports the bill’s passage.
Free Tony The Tiger 